In 1994, the number of people watching seals
and dolphins on commercial trips was approximately 15,000 (personal
communication), but many more people watch seals and dolphins
informally from private boats and from the shore.

European marine features where activity takes
place

Likely to occur

Unlikely to occur

Sand dunes

ü

Saltmarshes

ü

Mud and Sand Flats

ü

Sandbanks

ü

Inlets and Bays

ü

Reefs

ü

Lagoons

ü

Sea Caves

ü

Grey Seal

ü

Common Seal

ü

Bottlenose Dolphin

ü

Codes of practice

Guidelines to minimise disturbance to cetaceans from whale
watching operation and from recreational activities – available
from DETR

The Scottish Marine Wildlife Operators are currently developing
a voluntary code of practice

The Dolphin Space Programme – Available from the Whale and
Dolphin Conservation Society

A report called Seal Watching in the UK and Republic of Ireland
published by International Fund for Animal Welfare also contains
useful information on seal watching